How to Sand Fresh Cured Polyester Resin

There are two different types of polyester resin. One is called a laminating or bonding resin. This type of resin cures with a slightly tacky surface and should not be sanded unless it is specially cured in an air-tight environment. The other type of polyester resin is known as marine or fiberglass resin. This resin dries with a hard, waxy finish and can be sanded before finishing.

Things You'll Need

Resin applicator

120-grit sandpaper

180-grit sandpaper

Tack cloth

Clean your surface well and then mix and apply marine or fiberglass polyester resin as per the manufacturer's instructions. Shape the resin close to the final shape you desire.

Cure the resin for a minimum of six hours at room temperature. Feel the surface of the resin. If it feels smooth and slick to the touch, then it is properly cured -- if it feels tacky or sticky, then allow it more time to cure.

Sand the surface of the cured resin with 120-grit sandpaper. Do not sand heavily. Sand to remove any fibers or other imperfections. Shape as you sand.

Sand with 180-grit paper for the final sanding to smooth the surface of your resin until it is virtually as smooth as glass. Wipe the sanding resin down with a tack cloth and then paint if desired.

Tips & Warnings

Always use fresh resin, purchased no more than six months previously.

Do not use more catalyst when mixing resin than the manufacturer suggests.

Mix small quantities of resin at a time, as the resin begins setting up within 15 to 17 minutes.